Holiday Shopping Tips: Fraud Prevention at the Mall

Identity theft is the cyber age is becoming easier with every swipe of a credit card. Thieves and hackers prey on the unprepared and the misinformed. With every trip to the mall, consumers heighten their chances of becoming victims to illegal activities. Provided will be 7 Holiday shopping tips: fraud prevention at the mall.

Holiday shopping tip #1: Retractable lanyard

The first tip in effective fraud prevention at the mall is to not leave a credit card after exiting a store. A store is filled with people, you are being rushed, everyone is agitated, and your credit card is left on the counter. This scenario is common, but preventable with a retractable lanyard. Punch a hole in the credit card and attach to the retractable lanyard. When the credit card is swiped, there will be no chance of leaving tit behind.

Holiday shopping tip #2: Don't give your credit card to a child

There will be tendencies to hand over a credit card to a teenage child to assist in holiday shopping. If intentions are to prevent fraud at the mall, do not allow a teen to use your card. The reason is teens may not know all of the prevention measures and could be more lax with your credit card.

Holiday shopping tip #3: Purse unzipped

Thieves will look for any means necessary to take belongs. An open purse is an open invitation. Simply close your purse and only open when necessary. If you need to get something from your purse, seek out a secure location instead of an open area.

Holiday shopping tip #4: Clean out purse

A clutter purse is a sign of disorganization as well as a prime opportunity for belongings to be misplaced on countertops. If you have to empty your purse every time a purchase is made, your purse is full of clutter.

Holiday shopping tip #5: Id protector around neck

Fraud prevention at the mall starts with protecting your assets. Aside from identity thieves, pickpockets will be out to steal your money as well. Wearing an id protector around your neck will only allow you the access to your cards.

Holiday shopping tip #6: Carry cards being used

If you planning on shopping in select retailers only bring the credit cards you plan on using. Bring an entire cache of credit cards creates an opportunity to drop, leave, or misplace during the check-out process. Referencing the example above, chaos surrounds holiday shopping and a thief cashes in on chaos.

Holiday shopping tip #7: Illegible signature

Creating an illegible signature isn't reserved for doctors. A well scripted signature is an easy way to allow criminals to copy a signature and thus steal a portion of your identity. Another tip associated with an illegible signature is storing the receipt is a safe place.

Holiday shopping can be fun and exciting if one follows these 7 holiday shopping tips: fraud prevention at the mall.